§ 64. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the considerable quantities of paper and of material for paper-making in the country, and particularly in Scotland, he will vary the restriction order and allow of the 25 per cent. quota being raised to 50 per cent. or more; and what steps he proposes to take to facilitate the supplies of paper, printing plant and personnel in Scotland being brought into productive effort?
§ Sir A. DuncanI regret that the shipping position would not justify any increase in the use of imported materials; but the production of paper made wholly from home-produced materials is not subject to restriction. The restrictions on the consumption of paper are constantly under review to ensure that proper use is made of all the paper that can be produced from the available materials.
§ Mr. GibsonAm I to understand from that answer that there is no restriction at all on the use of such material for making esparto paper in Scotland?
§ Sir A. DuncanThere is no restriction on the production of paper from home-produced material, but the uses of paper are still constantly under review. As a matter of fact, quite recently the amount allowed for quite a number of categories of use was increased.
§ Mr. GibsonIn view of the abundant supply of raw materials in Scotland for 174 making the substitute esparto paper, may we take it that there is unlimited use permitted in Scotland of this paper for printing purposes?
§ Sir A. DuncanUnlimited production is allowed. I should be very glad indeed to go into the matter in further detail with my hon. and learned Friend.